Over the last twenty years, I’ve been greatly influenced by the people who have entered my life as either a gift, lesson, or blessing — some have stayed without hesitation or question and others have drifted or left me out in the dust without a word. From early on, our minds are ingrained with the concept of family and unconditional love within a family unit and when it lacks in any way shape or form, we are left feeling lost, out of sorts, and craving a sense of belonging.

When I let go of the traditional idea that family is defined by blood, my heart made room for those who have come into my life and have shown me consistency and unconditional love. We may not share common ancestry or have the same last name, but some of the greatest loves I’ve endured are with the family I get to choose. However, I am close with some within my traditional family unit, I have to accept the fact that sometimes the people who are supposed to love you deeply treat you as though you aren't part of the family. That can be heartbreaking and for a long time, I held onto that disappointment, but those days are gone now.

I have a loving family — made up of uplifting, soul changing best friends I consider sisters and my life-altering step-family plus the family members I was born loving. I show each one of them the deepest love I feel in my heart and it’s the choice that makes my untraditional family bonds even sweeter and more sacred.

It’s having an open, consistent bond that molds and shapes you into the person you are meant to be— sharing kindness, guidance, and encouragement with one another.

Your family changes you, pushes you and moves you. They say you can’t choose your family, but in reality, you can. They may not be blood, but that doesn’t belittle the bond and connection you care with the ones you love most and surround yourself with.

So a big thank you to the ones who have become family to me over the years.